Our Dedicated Team
Ms. Dina Flores
Co-Owner & DirectorMs. Dina brings over four decades of educational expertise to Escuelita del Alma, which she founded in 2000. With a bachelor's in bilingual elementary education and a master's in early childhood development, Dina spent 15 years teaching in Austin and San Antonio public schools before creating the "Little School of the Soul."
Her vision grew from recognizing downtown Austin's need for quality childcare while working as a bookkeeper at the legendary Las Manitas café. Dina's commitment to cultural heritage, educational continuity, and child-centered learning shapes every aspect of Escuelita. Under her steady leadership, the school has navigated relocation challenges and grown into a beloved institution with a three-year waiting list.
Parents appreciate Dina's hands-on approach—she remains a familiar, comforting presence to every child while mentoring a dedicated staff who share her belief that early childhood deserves the most thoughtful, joyful education possible.
Ms. Alma Flores-Perez
Co-Owner & DirectorMs. Alma likes to joke that she was Escuelita’s first employee at the age of four! As Ms.Dina’s daughter, she was not only one of Escuelita’s first students, but eventually an Administrative Assistant starting in middle school, and the Rainbow Room Assistant when she was a senior in high school.
Ms. Alma completed her Bachelor’s in Linguistics and Iberian and Latin American Cultures at Stanford University. Post-college, she worked at TalkingPoints, an education-technology non-profit that provides two-way translated communication for schools. In 2021, she began a PhD program in Linguistic Anthropology at the University of Texas where she is currently writing her dissertation on bilingual-bicultural education programs in Austin. Upon her return to grad school, she also returned part-time as an Assistant Director at Escuelita, and has since grown into the Director role. She became co-owner of the school in 2024. Ms. Alma strives to ensure that Escuelita feels not only like a school, but a community for all who enter through its doors!
Mr. Jaime Caino
DirectorBorn in California but proud to call Austin, Texas home, Jaime brings over 22 years of experience in early childhood education and has been a valued member of the Escuelita del Alma team for more than 15 years.
He attended the University of Texas at Austin and Austin Community College where he studied education, French, and American Sign Language. He has worked with students of all ages—from infants to high schoolers and is now serving as Director of the school. Jaime is passionate about partnering with parents and mentoring fellow educators to help children thrive and develop a love of learning. He believes strongly in the power of an awesome high-five in shifting a mood!
Outside of school, he enjoys playing the drums, hitting the tennis courts, and spending time with his wife, twin daughters, and three cats.
Ms. Laura Garcia
Assistant DirectorOriginally from Tamaulipas, Mexico, Ms. Laura moved to the United States in 1986 and has been passionately working in the field of early childhood education since 2005. She began her teaching journey with the Austin Independent School District before joining Escuelita del Alma in 2007. Over the years, she has served as both an Assistant and Lead Teacher with infant and toddler students, and now she proudly leads the school as an Assistant Director.
In addition to her leadership role, Ms. Laura serves as the school’s primary bus driver, ensuring that our afterschool students not only make it to Escuelita safely, but that they also end their day with a warm smile. She is the proud mother of three daughters and enjoys spending time with her family and pets!
Ms. Cecilia Loyola-Hernandez
Assistant DirectorOriginally from Austin, Texas, Cecilia Loyola has been dedicated to early childhood education for eight years. She began her career at Escuelita as an Assistant Teacher working with three-year olds, later becoming a Lead Teacher in the infant classroom.
Through her various teaching positions, the Director team noticed her many leadership qualities and began training her as an Assistant Director, a role which she stepped into more fully in the fall of 2025. In 2024, she took the initiative to complete the Texas School Ready program, a research-based teacher training and professional development program, further strengthening her commitment to providing high-quality early learning experiences.
Outside the classroom, Cecilia enjoys arts and crafts, watching Japanese anime, and spending time with her beloved fur babies.
Tremendous Teachers
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Ms. Ceci
Co-Lead Teacher
Silver Room
Assistant Director in Training -
Ms. Delanis
Assistant Teacher
Silver Room -
Ms. Erika
Lead Teacher
Purple Room -
Ms. Evelyn
Co-Lead Teacher
Silver Room -
Ms. Gloria
Lead Teacher
Green Room -
Ms. Iliuska
Assistant Teacher
White Room -
Ms. Kristen
Lead Teacher
Pink Room -
Ms. Lidice
Lead Teacher
Copper Room -
Ms. Lilian
Assistant Teacher
Purple Room -
Ms. Lisbetty
Assistant Teacher
Pink Room -
Ms. Luci
Assistant Teacher
Gold Room -
Ms. Mani
Assistant Teacher
Yellow Room
on maternity leave -
Ms. Maria
Lead Teacher
Blue Room -
Ms. Maribel
Assistant Teacher
Green Room -
Ms. Mariset
Assistant Teacher
Turquoise Room -
Ms. Mary
Lead Teacher
Red Room -
Ms. Milagro
Assistant Teacher
Yellow Room -
Ms. Mirzi
Lead Teacher
Orange Room -
Ms. Nancy
Lead Teacher
White Room -
Ms. Neishaly
Lead Teacher
Pink Room
on maternity leave -
Ms. Rachel
Assistant Teacher
Blue Room -
Ms. Silvia
Lead Teacher
Rainbow Room #1 -
Ms. Tomasa
Lead Teacher
Gold Room -
Ms. Virma
Lead Teacher
Rainbow Room #2 -
Ms. Wendy
Assistant Teacher
Orange Room -
Ms. Yaney
Assistant Teacher
Red Room -
Ms. Yolanda
Lead Teacher
Turquoise Room -
Ms. Yoselin
Assistant Teacher
Rainbow Room #1 -
Ms. Zuleika
Lead Teacher
Yellow Room
Spectacular Support Staff
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Ms. Blanca
Kitchen
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Ms. Dairis
Floater
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Mr. Efren
Office Assistant
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Ms. Hermelinda
Kitchen
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Ms. Liutmila
Housekeeping
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Ms. Marisa
Curriculum Specialist
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Ms. Mercedes
Housekeeping
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Ms. Pilar
Housekeeping
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Ms. Yeslaine
Floater
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Ms. Yoselin
Floater
❊ Testimonials
Loved by Students, Trusted by Parents.
Seriously! But don’t take our word for it, here are some things people have to say about us.
Escuelita is certainly a special place! We've had our 3-year-old there since he was 3 months old. We love it especially for committed teachers. We also love that he knows Spanish fluently, a skill he will carry with him throughout his life. Also, we love the community of families we have met. Pretty much our entire social network is made up of some Escuelita connection. Finally, the food! Our picky eater eats about 3 things at home but I feel ok about it because at least I know he's eating at school. Thank you Escuelita!
— Dory T., Parent
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All three of our children have attended Escuelita since they were infants and we truly feel like the staff is a part of our family. Ms. Dina and her directors (Ms. Alma, Mr. Jaime, and Ms. Laura) have created a special environment where kids are loved, have fun, and learn every day. Not to mention the Spanish immersion component that is a huge bonus. I would highly recommend this special little school to anyone.
— Manuel R., Parent
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Escuelita Del Alma is an amazing school to send your little ones. My 2-year-old has attended since about 6 months of age, and he is so well-versed in Spanish it is truly motivating. He’s learned so much from his teachers and loves them like family. He cheers every day we pull into the parking lot. Everyone here is so inviting and warm, is a special place. The wait list is worth it!
— Alison P., Parent
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One School. Two Languages. Unlimited Fun.
